Grappling device



June 22 1926. 1590;020

' B. GOLDEN GRAPPLING DEVICE Filed Oct 22, 1924 IN V EN TOR.

A TT NEY Patented June 22, 1926.

BERNARD GOLDEN, OF NEE/ARK, NEW JERSEY.

GRAPPLING DEVICE.

Application filed October 22, 1924.

This invention relates to an improved grappling device that is constructed so as to proviec an ease of manipulation so that the jaws or hooks that form the grasping part of the device can be positively operated and also providing for a sounding or testing means that can be used to aid in theiinding 01 solid substances in the bottom of the sea and maintain the device so that it is centrally located over the article to be grasped and raised when the jaws are closed.

The invention is desi ned for use in salvaging operations and also in construction operations but it is particularly adapted for use at extreme depths where a diver cannot descend and where it is desirable to so aid or feel the bottom of the sea before the raising operation is attempted.

'lhe invention is further designed to provide not only a sounding weight but one that can also be utilized as a magnetic lift either alone or in conjunctionnvith the jaws.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is perspective view of the device suspended from a boat or dredge with the jaws oi he grappling mechanism open and Figure 2 is an end view of the grappling device with the jaws closed and lifted from the water.

The grappling device is constructed so as to require three lines and for an easy and convenient operation I use three booms, one oi the booms being used for raising and lowering the grappling device and the booms 11 and 12 are used for opening the jaws or hooks of the grapplingdevice, these booms being operated in the usual way through suitable winches illustrated only in general outline at 13, the ropes or cables from the booms being passed over suitable rigging on the mast 1 1. This part of the apparatus is not described in detail since it is of well known form.

The grappling device comprises the jaws 15 and 16 which are adapted to be swung apart or close together usually being curved so as to term somewhat of a receptacle when I closed and are pivoted as at 17, the exten sions 18 being connected by links 19 with the pivot 20 which is suspended from the cable 21 which is the one that passes over the boom 10.

Suitably secured to the outer sides of the jaws 15 and 16 are the ropes or cables 22 and 23 which pass over the booms 11 and 12.

serial No. 745,080.

respectively, and are operated to raise the jaws 15 and 16 to open them and, if need be, by proper regulation to assist in raising any very heavy article grasped by the jaws.

Suspended centrally within the jaws when they are closed and preferably from the pivot 17 is a weight 24 which is usually flat on the bottom so as to provide a considerable area of contact although it can be of various shapes and it will be ev dent that when the weight is exposed by raising the jaws 15 and 18, it is available for use as illustrated in l igure 1 and with trained men operating the dev ce, the weight can be raised andlowcred and thus caused to descend at various 79 p0 its on the bottom so that by the feel ht can be determined when toe e tacts with solid hard objects as rentiated from the usual soft mud at the bottom of the sea.

lVhen a hard object is encountered by the weight the are released by relaxing the lines 22 and 23 and the jaws are closed posit veiy by hauling up on the line 21 v ch then raises the article grasped to the suriace and ii it is necessary, the lines 22 and 23 assist in the raising since they will not tend to open the jaws if they are raised at the same speed as the line 21.

The weight 2 1- can be utilized for assisting in raising metallic objeczs either alone or in conjunction with the or the weight 2 1 can be magnetized by electrical connec tions and a suitable source of current and 1 indicate the wire 25 as illustrating how the current can be carried down to the weight 2 1 so that its attraction to objects can be utilized in assisting in the finding of iron or steel articles and at the same time can function as a sounding or testing element as above described.

1 claim:

1. A grappling device comprising a pair of jaws hinged together and having eatensions beyond the pivot. links hinged together and at their ends to the extensions, mean-'4 for securing a cable where the links are hinged together, a weight suspended from the pivot oi the jaws and lines secured to the jaws for opening them so that they above the weight.

2. A. grappling device comprising a pair of aws hinged together so that they approximately abut where closed, extensions on. the jaws beyond the pivot, links hinged at their ends to the extensions and at their opposite they are open and to be between them when ends to each other, each jaw having a recess they are closed.

for the passage of the extension of the other, In testimony that I claim the foregoing, 10 a suspending line secured to the pivot of the I have hereto set my hand, this 15th day links, lines secured to the jaws to open them, of October, 1924.

and :1 weight suspended between the jaws and disposed so as to be below the j aws when BERNARD GOL EN. 

